Memories of Porat - Rahamim Hajaj
All the residents of Moshav Porat came from the Jewish community of the Tripoli region in Libya, specifically from the mountainous area known as Gharyan-Hajjarna. According to tradition, some of the families trace their roots back to the expulsion from Spain approximately 475 years ago, while others claim descent from Jews who settled in North Africa during the Second Temple period—over 2,000 years ago.
During periods of peace in Libya, the Jewish community enjoyed relatively good conditions and maintained a well-organized communal life. They supported the poor, ensured livelihoods, and upheld the commandments of the Torah.
However, during World War II, the situation became difficult. The arrival of Jewish soldiers from the Land of Israel, members of the Jewish Brigade, stirred a deep yearning among the Jews of Libya to immigrate to Eretz Yisrael. With the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, that dream became a reality.
In 1949, the community gathered in Tripoli and began their journey to Israel. They were first settled in the Binyamina transit camp, and from there they moved to what was then called Kfar Ya’abez. Initially, they lived in tents and a few old buildings, before finally relocating to Porat.
In Porat, they were housed in temporary wooden shelters, and it was only in 1952 that construction of permanent homes began.
Most residents searched for employment in the area, including work in the stone quarry at Migdal Tzedek. Later, they began planting citrus orchards. Some continued working in orchards owned by the Yachin company, before eventually working the land within the moshav itself.
At that time, there were no paved roads or public transportation, and the hardships were many.
Even today, life remains difficult. Many families are large, and a single agricultural unit often cannot provide for everyone. The children, deeply connected to their families, are reluctant to move away and live elsewhere.
Today, we have a regional school that serves the three communities of Azri’el, Ya’abez, and Porat. We are part of the Hefer Valley Regional Council, which provides valuable support in helping us resolve our challenges and continue building a better future.
Source: Hadar HaSharon Shelanu – Tel Mond Bloc, Published by the Hefer Valley Regional Council, 1972